Bandicam does not have a built-in feature to insert JPG images directly into video recordings
Bandicam is designed to capture and record your screen, but it does not include tools to overlay or embed JPG files into the video during recording. If you want to add a JPG image to a Bandicam recording, you will need to use video editing software after the recording is complete. The image can be placed as an overlay, a watermark, or inserted as a separate clip within the video timeline.
The workflow is straightforward: record your video with Bandicam, then open the recording in a video editor and add the JPG image there. This approach gives you more control over placement, timing, and how the image blends with your video anyway.
Key Takeaways
- Bandicam itself cannot add JPG images during recording, so you must use video editing software after recording is finished.
- Free video editors like DaVinci Resolve, OpenShot, and Shotcut all support importing JPG files and layering them over video.
- You can position a JPG as a watermark in the corner, overlay it across the full screen, or insert it as a still frame between video clips.
- The JPG file must exist on your computer before you start editing — Bandicam cannot access images stored only in cloud services.
Using free video editors to add your JPG after recording
DaVinci Resolve is the most straightforward option. After recording with Bandicam, open DaVinci Resolve, create a new project, and drag your Bandicam video file into the media pool. Then drag the video onto the timeline. Right-click in the media pool, select "Import Media," and choose your JPG file. Drag the JPG onto a layer above your video in the timeline. You can resize it, move it, and set how long it stays visible by adjusting the clip length on the timeline.
OpenShot works similarly. Import your Bandicam video by going to File > Import Files, then import your JPG the same way. Drag both onto the timeline, with the JPG on a layer above the video. Click the JPG clip to select it, then use the handles around it to resize and reposition. You can also adjust the opacity to make it semi-transparent.
Shotcut requires you to open your Bandicam video first (File > Open), then add the JPG as a new track. Go to Tracks > Add Video Track, then drag your JPG onto that track. This method is useful if you want the image to appear for only part of the video.
Positioning a JPG as a watermark or overlay
A watermark typically sits in one corner and stays visible throughout the video. In any of these editors, drag your JPG onto the timeline above your video, then resize it to be smaller — usually 10 to 20 percent of the video width. Drag it to a corner (top-left, top-right, bottom-left, or bottom-right) and extend the clip length to match your entire video length. If you want it semi-transparent so the video shows through, lower the opacity slider to around 50 to 70 percent.
A full-screen overlay covers the entire video temporarily. Resize the JPG to match your video dimensions, position it on the timeline where you want it to appear, and set its duration to however many seconds you want it visible. You can add a fade-in and fade-out effect to make it blend smoothly with the surrounding video.
Inserting a JPG as a still frame between video clips
If you want to use the JPG as a pause or transition — for example, showing a title card or image between two sections of video — place it on the timeline between two video clips. Set its duration to however long you want it to display (typically 2 to 5 seconds). In most editors, you can right-click the JPG clip and add a transition effect (like a fade or dissolve) to the edges so it does not cut abruptly.
This approach is useful for tutorials or presentations where you want to break up the video with a static image, logo, or title slide.
Preparing your JPG file before editing
Make sure your JPG file is saved on your computer in a location you can easily find — your Downloads folder or Desktop works fine. The file size does not matter much for video editing, but if the image is very large (over 5000 pixels wide), some editors may slow down. You do not need to resize it beforehand; the video editor will handle that.
If your JPG is a screenshot or has a white or solid-color background and you want to make that background transparent, you will need to convert it to a PNG file with transparency using an image editor like GIMP (free) or Photoshop. Most video editors handle PNG transparency better than JPG, which does not support it. For simple watermarks or overlays, though, a JPG works fine as-is.
Exporting your video after adding the JPG
Once you have positioned your JPG and are happy with how it looks, export the video. In DaVinci Resolve, go to File > Export and choose your format (MP4 is standard). In OpenShot, go to File > Export Video. In Shotcut, go to File > Export. Choose a location to save the file and a quality setting — 1080p or 720p is typical for screen recordings.
The export process can take several minutes depending on your video length and computer speed. Once it finishes, you will have a new video file with your JPG image added.
Why Bandicam does not have this feature built-in
Bandicam is optimized for real-time screen recording with minimal impact on performance. Adding image overlay tools would require the software to manage additional layers and effects during recording, which could slow down the capture or introduce lag. By keeping Bandicam focused on recording only, it stays lightweight and reliable. Video editing is a separate task that specialized editors handle better anyway.
If you frequently add images to your recordings, learning a video editor is a worthwhile investment. Most free editors have a gentler learning curve than you might expect, and you gain access to many other editing tools you may want later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a JPG image while Bandicam is recording?
No. Bandicam captures only what is on your screen during recording. If you want an image to appear in the video, you must either have it visible on your screen during recording, or add it afterward using a video editor. The second approach is more reliable because you can control exactly when and where the image appears.
What if my JPG file is too large or too small for the video?
Video editors let you resize any image to fit your needs. You can make it larger or smaller, stretch it to fill the screen, or keep it small as a watermark. The editor handles the scaling automatically — you do not need to resize the JPG file itself beforehand.
Can I add multiple JPG images to the same video?
Yes. Import all your JPG files into the editor, then drag each one onto the timeline at different points or on different layers. You can position them side by side, stack them, or have them appear at different times throughout the video.
Will adding a JPG image make the video file larger?
Yes, slightly. The video file size depends on the video length, resolution, and quality settings you choose during export. Adding a JPG image adds minimal size compared to the video itself, but the final file will be larger than the original Bandicam recording.
What video format should I export as after adding the JPG?
MP4 is the most compatible format and works on nearly all devices and platforms. If you are uploading to YouTube or another video site, MP4 is a safe choice. Some editors also offer WebM or MOV formats, but MP4 is the standard for screen recordings.